What does a key signature indicate?

• A. The tempo of a piece.
• B. The number and type of sharps or flats indicating the key.
• C. The form of the composition.
• D. The tempo and dynamics.

Answer: (D)

A key signature tells you which notes are consistently sharp or flat throughout the piece, establishing the tonal center. The number and type of sharps or flats indicate the key you’re in (for example, one sharp points to G major or E minor; two sharps point to D major or B minor; a set of flats like five indicates Db major or Bb minor). This setup shows which pitches are altered most of the time, so you don’t have to write accidentals on every note. It doesn’t convey tempo, form, or dynamics—those are shown by other markings in the score. Understanding the key signature helps you hear the piece’s tonal direction and know which scale degrees are raised or lowered as you read.